Volume 11 | SEPT/OCT 2024

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Above - White Horn Owl - Taken In Mulmur

'DIGGING IN THE DIRT'

Above - one of our great maintenance properties!

HILL'N DALE GOLF DAY WITH

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

In September some of Hill'N Dale's great Team members took to the golf course to join other Landscape Ontario Members at the Marlwood Golf and Country Club in Wasaga Beach.

What a great day and lots of fun!

IT'S HARVEST TIME - FUN FACTS:

DID YOU KNOW...

Every row of corn on a corncob has the same number of kernels and the average ear of corn has 800 kernels.

On average, corn produces 4.14 tonnes per acre

Soybeans are the largest field crop in Ontario and on average, 3 million acres are planted each year to produce 3.8 million metric tonnes!

Most apples are still picked by hand.

The largest apple ever picked weighed in at 3 pounds 2 ounces.

STUNNING COUNTRY RETREATS:

Above - Metal Horse By Ken Hall

Metal In The Landscape

Above - Metal Edging Between River Rock And Lawn

2.Retaining Walls

• Terracing: Metal retaining walls are used to create terraces on sloped landscapes, adding usable space and preventing erosion.
• Erosion Control: They stabilize soil and manage water runoff effectively.

3. Planters

• Raised Beds: Metal planters are used for raised garden beds, offering a modern look and protecting plants from pests and weeds.
• Custom Designs: They can be fabricated into various shapes and sizes, suitable for small urban gardens or large landscape projects.

4. Structural Elements

• Pergolas and Arbors: Metal structures provide support for climbing plants and create shaded areas, enhancing outdoor living spaces.
• Trellises: Used for vertical gardening, steel trellises support vines and other climbing plants.

Above - Metal Window Wells

Above - Metal Art To Look Like Fallen Windmill Blades

5. Water Features

• Fountains: Metal is used to create contemporary and durable fountains.
• Ponds and Waterfalls: Metal elements can form the framework for ponds and waterfalls, adding a sleek, modern touch.

6. Pathways and Steps

• Grating and Steps: Metal grating is used for pathways and steps, providing a non-slip surface and ensuring good drainage.
• Bridges: Metal can construct small pedestrian bridges over water features or uneven terrain.



7. Decorative Elements

• Sculptures: Metal sculptures add focal points and artistic elements to the landscape.
• Screens and Panels: Decorative metal screens provide privacy and wind protection while adding visual interest.

Above - Metal Pine Cone Art

8. Fencing and Gates

• Security Fencing: Metal fencing provides a strong and secure boundary for properties.
• Decorative Fencing: Custom designs can add aesthetic appeal while delineating spaces.

9. Outdoor Furniture

• Benches and Tables: Metal is used for durable and weather-resistant outdoor furniture.
• Fire Pits: Metal fire pits are popular for their durability and sleek design.

10. Lighting

• Fixtures: Metal is used for outdoor lighting fixtures, providing both durability and a modern aesthetic.
• Lamp Posts: Metal lamp posts offer sturdy and stylish solutions for landscape lighting.

11. Outdoor Kitchens

• Counters and Cabinets: Metal is ideal for outdoor kitchen elements due to its resistance to weather and heat.
• Grills and Fireplaces: Metal structures are used for built-in grills and outdoor fireplaces, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.

12. Signage

• Markers and Plaques: Metal is used for durable and weather-resistant signage, including wayfinding markers and informational plaques.

Incorporating metal into landscape design offers numerous benefits, including long-lasting durability, minimal maintenance, and a modern aesthetic that complements various design styles.

To find out more, contact us to explore the possibilities.

Above - Metal Art To Also Acts As A Fence

This October, as we enjoy our favorite brews, we want to share the story behind Grow Tea Company and our mission.  

Located in Mulmur and established in 2020 during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were inspired by a simple yet profound idea: to create unique tea blends that celebrate the rich diversity of botanical ingredients. Our love for tea has driven us to explore exceptional blends even in uncertain times. 

We believe each cup of tea tells a story, from its ingredient origins to the experiences it offers. That's why we are committed to sourcing the finest, ethically obtained botanical ingredients worldwide. Every blend we craft reflects our dedication to quality, sustainability, and the artistry of tea-making. 

In our commitment to sustainability, we proudly use eco-friendly packaging that aligns with our values. We recognize the importance of protecting our planet and strive to minimize our environmental impact. Our packaging is designed to be recyclable and biodegradable, allowing you to enjoy your tea while helping to create a healthier environment. 

We take pride in partnering with farmers and suppliers who share our values of ethical sourcing. Our ingredients are carefully chosen to ensure they are grown with respect for the environment and the communities that cultivate them. By choosing Grow Tea Company, you support fair trade and sustainable practices. 

Looking ahead, we're excited to announce our goal of being on the shelves of 50 stores by 2025. 

Your love for our unique blends fuels our growth and commitment to quality. Together, we can build a community of tea enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of well-crafted, ethically sourced teas. 

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, happy sipping! 

Warm wishes, 

The Grow Tea Company Team

Visit our On-Line Store To View All of The Selections

Or To Order Today!

Picture above: Paint Night, Mulmur

Native plants are plants that have evolved specific to the area and have a relationship with the ecology there. They provide food for insects, birds and mammals, as well as many other microscopic organisms both above and below ground and many species in the plant kingdom have symbiotic relations with each other too.



With the migration of Homo sapiens (that’s us!) globally, our attachment to the plants we have evolved with from our countries of origin and come to depend on for food and medicines has caused us to bring these plants and others with us, intentionally or accidentally. With the growing popularity of ornamental horticulture over the last couple of centuries even more plants have migrated away from their native countries to land here in our gardens. Some are well behaved and others have become bullies pushing into and taking over our natural landscape, often because the ecology that kept them in check (such as insects that feed on them) is not present here. 

A good example of this is purple loosestrife, brought in as an ornamental plant that then escaped the gardens via seed (birds) or plants being edited and dumped ‘across the road’. It has found itself a good home in our wetlands and ditches where it pushes out our native wetland plants. Having no diseases or insects here in North America it is now in all Canadian provinces and American states is a problem.

Here are 3 more plants commonly seen in gardens that are also becoming problematic:

Vinca minor and V. major (periwinkle) seen here taking over natural woodlands at the expense of our beautiful native woodland plants. Bees are attracted to the flowers, but nothing else can feed on it or raise progeny a resource provided by our native plants.

Euonymus elatus (burning bush, winged euonymus) has been identified as invasive in over 20 states and listed as banned from sale in several. In Ontario it is recognized as invasive but is still sold due to its popularity. The plant is green until it takes on fall colour and there are so many other shrubs that have multi-seasonal interest and fall colour. It spreads via birds eating the tiny berries and by suckering. 

Aegopodium podagraria (goutweed) straight green and variegated cultivars, both are extremely invasive and difficult to eradicate.

This is only the tip of the iceberg regarding invasives.

Feel free to call us for help with your invasive plant problem and to find alternative planet-friendly suggestions.

To learn more, click the button below to go directly to 'Invading Species'.

Congratulations to all winners from the Summer issue who knew the answer: Juicy Red

Above - Sugar Maple

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU

'ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OUTSIDE'?

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Created by the Hill'N Dale Landscape Team